Approx. Value Please -- 5" 1955 Pre-27 non matching grips

[bushmaster1313]

One of my earliest S&W purchases was a 1955 5" pre-27 shooter in very good used condition, with holster wear at the muzzle, holster wear on the cylinder, a pronounced turn line and very nice PC grips not numbered to the gun. It is very accurate.

Liked it so much that I went and got a 1952 version of the very same gun in better condition with matching grips. Other Forum members have no doubt done similar upgrades.

Paid top dollar for the 1952, but knew it would be liked, it's not easy to buy a handgun in New Jersey, and my NJ permit to purchase a handgun was about to expire (you do not want to know).

The plan is to shoot .38's in the less collectible non-matching grip 1955 with friends who are beginners, and to unapoligetically keep the 1952 for myself.

Nevertheless, could the Forum please give their thoughts on a minimum value for the well-used 1955 (pictured above) with the non-matching grips.

Thank you in advance

 

[murphydog]

The figure of $650 comes to mind, but if those are original N frame diamond PC Magnas (with a stamped number in the mid 200000 range or higher) they are worth more than a non-matching original style set with the standard flat bottoms. Hope this is helpful.

 

[bushmaster1313]

but if those are original N frame diamond PC Magnas (with a stamped number in the mid 200000 range or higher)

The grips are very early original stamped PC Magnas. I know they are worth money, but have no idea how much. The Tyler-T is original as well, with its box.

I am not looking for offers at this time.

BTW -- Had I known better I would have bought the first one with matching grips. But it was a reasonable price and I have gotten my money's worth -- even if I had to give it away!

 

[murphydog]

I think an early model 58 owner would give you $150-200 for the stocks...double if the number matches their gun .

 

[DocB]

If I saw the gun out for $800 with "no" grips at all on it, I would have to give it some serious thought since I already have a pair of 1955 magna grips that I could move around. Pre M27's are a bit hard to find around here.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Deleted To avoid wrong posting

 

[samandglove1]

Its not the easiest thing to put a price on shooter grade guns, especially sought after models. But I would doubt that your 5" pre-27 would last very long in the classifieds if it was up for sale for $850-900 without the stocks.

 

[bushmaster1313]

And now the full story

I paid top dollar for the 1952 with the matching grips and was hesitant to ask the Forum: "Did I pay too much?"

With estimates for the 1955 at about $800 I feel okay about the 1952

1955 with wear and non-matching grips____$800
Add matching grips------------------------------200
Add better condition-----------------------------200
Add I want it now!-------------------------------200

Equals about what I paid for the 1952

 

[Richochet]

Here in California, a fine example like this would bring $900 to $1400.
The more the State wages war on gun owners, the higher the prices for desirable revolvers soars.